Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Sycamore Canyon Field Trip

Known as the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, it is a remote, protected, and scenic area that cuts through the Mogollon Rim, offering a stunning, less-visited alternative to the nearby Sedona red rocks, complete with a perennial creek and lush riparian habitat. You might encounter Gray Vireo, Scott’s Oriole, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brewer’s, Lark and Black-throated sparrows, Common Black Hawk, White-throated Swift, Bell’s & Plumbeous Vireo, Verdin and Summer Tanager. There are no bathroom facilities during this trip. After birding along the Mogollon rim, you will bring your lunch and water into the canyon. You will descend a relatively steep, dry trail" 160 feet into the canyon. The trail will then be fairly level. This portion of the walk is about 2.5 miles out and back. There are no creek crossings. This trip is marked at a level 4 for good reason, participants should be in good physical condition. Rating: 4 Transportation: Vans Meal: Bring your own lunch Cost: $75 Group Limit: 12     Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats. Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501© 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest. Festival site is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.